PUNE: Mitchell Marsh’s outstanding second impactful World Cup century, Australia secured their seventh consecutive victory with an eight-wicket triumph over Bangladesh on Saturday.
Chasing the 307 runs target at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, India, Australia, faced an early setback with the loss of Travis Head. Opener David Warner (53) and Marsh (177 not out) built a formidable 120-run partnership for the second wicket. The five-time world champions comfortably achieved victory in 44.4 overs.
Marsh achieved his third one-day international century in just 87 deliveries, finishing with an impressive tally of 17 fours and nine sixes. His dominating performance, alongside Steve Smith (63 not out) in a 175-run stand, solidified Australia’s position. Smith returned to the side after recovering from a bout of vertigo.
Earlier in the final group game for both teams at Pune’s MCA Stadium, Towhid Hridoy scored his maiden half-century of the tournament, contributing 74 runs. Bangladesh concluded their innings at 306-8 from 50 overs.
Australia made the strategic decision to rest explosive batsman Glenn Maxwell ahead of their semi-final clash with South Africa in Kolkata on Nov. 16. In his absence, Sean Abbott (2-61) made a valuable contribution, filling in for Mitchell Starc.
Bangladesh Batting Against Australia
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Australia faced solid starts from Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen, including Tanzid Hasan (36), Litton Das (36), Najmul Hossain Shanto (45), and Mahmudullah (32). Leg-spinner Adam Zampa (2-32) emerged as the top wicket-taker with 22 wickets, securing Mushfiqur Rahim.
Marnus Labuschagne’s exceptional fielding resulted in two crucial run-outs. Despite Hridoy’s commendable innings, he was caught in the deep in the 47th over. Bangladesh posted their best total of the tournament, only to witness Australia chase down the target with overs to spare.
